Finally got Windows Phone 7.8? We'll help get you started

The Windows Phone 7.8 update is here. Well, it will be once you're able to update your hardware should you not go down the manual route. We've all be eagerly awaiting the notification that there's a new build available, but what if you overlook a new feature or miss new functionality through excitement (with or without comforting alcohol), or simply not being aware that such magic exists? We'll quickly run you through on how to get started with the 7.8 update.

Microsoft has already detailed what's included in the latest released, but we'll quickly run through what feature controls the arms, and how you can move the legs to not reproduce the famous QWOP jog. Now, where to begin? Here's what we'll be covering in this quick walkthrough:

Resizing Live Tiles on the start screen

Unlocking the added accent colours

Setting up the lockscreen to load rotating Bing wallpapers

That's it? There's not a whole lot to the update, I'm afraid. Unfortunately if you'd want to take advantage of new hardware and future enhancements, Windows Phone 8 is a definite upgrade. But for those who actually use a smartphone as a mobile calling device, the 7.8 update will prolong the life of the handset until an attached contract ends or funds are available for an upgrade.

Resizing Live Tiles is a new concept to those who are on Windows Phone 7, especially if you're not into reading up on what's new in version 8. So how does one resize said tiles to either reveal more information or shrink real estate down to a manageable level? It's as easy as moving tiles around, simply press and hold on any tile and live app shortcuts that support multiple sizes will have an arrow present in the corner, like so:

Hit the corresponding arrow to either shrink or enlarge that individual tile. It'll then blow up the screen or integrate into an available space between other tiles. Job done. You're now up-to-date with tile management. Moving on.

Unlocking the added accent colours

Setting up and configuring accents is a basic customisable setting, and is one most Windows Phone owners are more than accustomed with. Choosing different themes for the smartphone refreshes the look of the UI and any apps that make use of the system theme. This helps reflect the mood of the owner, or to spice up the experience.

Windows Phone 7.8 bumps the number of available colours to 20, further expanding the choice on how the phone looks when in use. This new collection of accents matches what's currently available in Windows Phone 8. To make a change, head on over to Settings > Theme.

Setting up the lockscreen to load rotating Bing wallpapers

The lockscreen is an important part of the Windows Phone experience since it's what first greets the user when either switching on or waking up a device. Information displayed here on Windows Phone 7 is limited to the time, date, any calendar appointments and a handful of icons to represent missed content (SMS, calls, email, etc.)

The issue with the wallpaper behind this content is that it's static. One has to change the image displayed manually by heading into settings or by adding an image from the Photos hub. Windows Phone 8 expands on this functionality by allowing apps to tap into lockscreen support and alter content and images automatically. This isn't featured in the 7.8 update, but we do get the next best thing - Bing wallpapers.

These wallpapers rotate automatically and offer a unique experience to manually configuring what's displayed. To set up the Bing wallpapers, head into Settings > Lock+ Wallpaper and you'll be in the right place for personalising your Windows Phone further.

So there you have it, folks. A simple walkthrough on what's new in Windows Phone 7.8, just in case you missed anything through our previous coverage.

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I just did it, worked perfectly on my T-Mo Radar. They released a patch to make it completely/nearly stable. A nice update, it's nice being to rearrange the tiles better, it's nice having that extra screen space...it's amazing how much real-estate you gain...kinda like my phone now, I'll wait for WP9.

This is very true but did anyone else notice the disparity between the 7.8 and WP8 versions? For example the CNN app as well as many others that take advantage of the double wide functionality in WP8 are constricted to only two different sizes. It seems as if all the apps aren't updated yet for 7.8.

You won't ruin your phone. I was wary at first, but I used the WP Hacker program and it did everything for me with one click for my T-Mobile HTC Radar. It updated perfectly and there are no glitches or mishaps. I read somewhere that T-Mobile has opted out of giving the 7.8 update (stupid on their part) so I really had no choice but to do it on my own. It works perfectly!

Yes. It works. Both my 900s went that route last night. But on the story, I like it. Its never going to be a 920, but the accent colors and Bing wallpapers are a nice touch. I find I like the olive accent.

Cab Sender method keeps erroring out on my TITAN with some number 80070013, error message: An unexpected error occured. I tried several times and getting the same error everytime. I used WPHackertool on my HTC Arrive and it worked after several attempts. I tried this on Windows 8 OS. How did you get it done?

suseesk I am glad I can help you out as I was facing the same issue. Apparently some HTC Titan models neede a bootloader hot fix which after some digging I found herehttp://www.htc.com/www/support/news.aspx?p_id=415&p_name=htc-titan . It's very simple and easy to do and after you do this, the update will work perfectly on the first try. Let me know how it goes as this was very frustrating for me at first.

Everything should work perfectly! Just follow directions and in 20 mins or less you will be good to go!

...And to answer your question about the update being on the servers.....I highly doubt it. -no, I know this for a fact! There are tons of users on the US carriers, I think you would have seen multiple users on the other articles posted yesterday on whether or not they received the update or not. -after 1.5 pages of comments, I didn't see a single post by someone on ATT with another phone besides the Lumia 900 getting the update.

Not really. It took me a few minutes to understand the directions, but once I did using the CAB method was very easy. I was at 8107 so I had to install each update since then in order, but it went without any hitch whatsoever. Am now running 7.8, no glitches, no problems whatsoever.
By the way, I updated to 8107 this way when it was pushed out because I never got the update from AT&T. I didn't have a problem then either.

The Verizon Trophy and Sprint Arrive and T-Mobile HTC Radar / HD7 have yet to receive the update as well.

As for the unbranding process of the Titan: I am only aware of the process (over on the Titan forum on XDA) that involves using a goldcard and forcing a European Titan stock rom onto your ATT Titan...however, I would totally advise against this as a lot of ATT Titans are getting half-bricked this way. (not including mine, as I have a fully unlocked ATT Titan with a custom rom on it)

Unbranded and Unlocked are not the same thing. My HD7 was unlocked out of the box, but it is Telstra branded so I have to wait for Telstra to release updates, even though I use Vodafone as my carrier. Unlocked just means you can use any SIM. Unbranded means it is not bound to a carrier in any way and you will get your updates independently (usually first).
If I go to the Telstra website it says they are only in "first round testing" of 7.8, but I was able to update using the cable trick. If AT&T aren't even testing then it won't be available at all.

Not sure if this is also new, but when I play music in Zune without artist info it changes the lockscreen to Zune-themed aurora. Its pretty nice to look at actually.
Edit: Lol! Sorry didn't know that. I don't listen to much music on my phone until recently for some reason. Guess I never noticed it. Did they remove the player controls from persistently showing? Guess they changed it to show for a few seconds?

Still trying the cable trick. I only managed to get the update showing ONCE (in like 100 attempts)...and I forgot to turn the internet back on. Stupid me. -_-'
Now here I am still pulling cables. I have no idea of the time at which I should pull the cable out (1-2 seconds I know but it isn't that simple). I've even tried with a chronometer on my WP8. What a frustrating thing.

He means can you tap the left hand side of conversations in the messaging application and select multiple conversations for deletion, ect. Previously on WP7 you had to delete each conversation individually. WP8 added multiselect.

Dang that's too bad. There are a lot of non-hardware related updates that Microsoft left out. These two small things as well as being able to see more notifications on the lock screen for example were simply not included.

On lumia 710's, the default volume is 19\30. On lumia 800's, it is 13/30. Everytime you restart the phone, it reverts to the default volume. To see the lock screen issue/change, play some music, lock the phone and then look at the music controls on the lock screen.

Oh wow, that resetting volume does suck! I don't think I've noticed it on my Focus (but I'm also running a custom rom). I didn't notice the music controls on the volume bar until you pointed it out. I find it just as ineffective as the previous implementation.. I never liked the lockscreen music controls because it requires me to look down at it. It's frustrating while working out, and dangerous while driving!

I want to know which apps support double wide tile basically, as that is the only thing this update offers. I'd like WPCentral Double wide. having the choice is what matters I guess. Itd be nice to see apps function well and unique with each different size.

I was sort of hoping they'd add the high-contrast mode from Windows Phone 8. Pity. The new "Steel" gray doesn't quite work as such.
That said, the tile resizing is a pretty big feature, I think. I've got my People hub full size, my phone, email, messaging, and music at 1/8 size, and have three tiles at half-size (calendar, IE, games). I arranged everything so its super easy to use with just my thumb! As such, my start screen barely scrolls down (just three rows of tiles)... very nice :)

Steel has well..we need a poll for favorite theme..
Resize tile is great, shrunk most of tiles to small, expect message, pics, calendar.
Bing wallpaper working but it has not switched yet, need connection to be on for it work correctly i assume.
Had to use tool to update focus flash with..so far so good..

Yep. I used this method as well on my Focus. Didn't have a single problem. Took about an hour to bring it up from the keyboard fix update I had already. Just make sure you apply the right language packs each time you apply each update

It's a shame how this update didn't bring more features like the mango update did, I know some new wp8 features rely on hardware, but what about things like, the new Bing, or family rooms, or Xbox music, lock screen notification icons, print screen. do they need new hardware? Come on.

It sucks doesn't it? I don't understand why so many people are so anxious for this lame non-update. Yes I'll take the 20 new colors and adjustable tiles but my main beef is why no wifi keep alive? How hard would it be to impliment that? Sheesh!

The only thing i'd like to see is custom hubs or extra "screens" or an ability to categorise my apps. I'll avoid calling them 'folders' due to the inevitable hysterical responses that result. The new tiles will be great, as it means i'm not forced to use double-wide tiles for things like Pictures, and I can make the tiles for messaging, phone etc really small and keep them up the top on the screen at the same time.

YES! Just use the WPHacker tool that it works flawlessly . When selecting the language just select ENGLISH-US, it might take you 3 times beacuse of the 3 updates. (Dont know if it matter but I ran it as administrater)

I have a Titan II on AT&T in the US, anyone know if this tool will work? Everything I have read so far says that the Titan II is different from the Titan I and no one has cracked the II yet. Just don't want to brick my phone and have to go back to the Android backup.

WindowsPhoneHacker has updated the install windows phone 7.8 cab file to get your phone from mango to 7.8 it worked for me on my HD7S and the only language i selected was English (united states) took me about 8 trys i think? remember to do this at your own risk but alot of users are reporting that it works.

I was able to successfully upgrade my AT&T HTC TITAN to 7.8 using Cab Sender method. I faced no problem in upgrading to 7.8 and believe me... Windows Phone 7.8 works like a charm and looks delicious on HTC TITAN 4.7 inch screen! I can now keep HTC TITAN with me for next 6 months atleast!

I was able to update my HTC Mozart and my wife's Lumia 800 by using the cable trick method. You may need extra patience as for me, it took me 20-30 try for each update (since there were 3 updates). I'm from Malaysia btw :)

Just updated an LG Quantum which my family currently uses on Straight Talk to 7.8 with the Seven-Eighter tool. Took a little while - had to run the tool about 8 times to get it patched to WP 7.8 but it worked (even though after each update the gui crapped out - just kept restarting the tool ad running again). Glad I saw the link!

Hey all, I got the 7.8 update from navfirme in November for my Lumia900... Here is a (small) list of new features that I'm aware of:
- resizable tiles
- extra accent colors
- Bing wallpaper (however, it doesn't rotate for me)
- ability to choose Google as your default search engine
- new office icon
- new Xbox icon
- new market place icon
- name of artist and album now pass in bold white on the Zune icon
- Bluetooth transfer (I was lucky enough to install before it got pulled out.. And it works perfectly :)
- ringtone maker (same)
That's it
Tell me about the Bing wallpaper... Does it rotate?

I have the same "bug" with bing wallpaper. it doesnt rotate even days after... The same bug was there with a custom 8858 ROM, so this i just a bug wich is not fixed. or like i saw somewhere here in the comment that you need internet connection to be on for this, but why? is Wifi not an internet connection?! :S

achieve to force the update (here from Argentina, Movistar on Lumia 900), that's all for this update????
where are the rest of the features???? It was not supposed that the whole experience of WP8 lock screen, as to modify notifications and live wallpaper, would be in the WP7.8????

I have HTC Mozart, current build 7.10.810 (Mango), but the available update is 7.10.8112 (Not even Tango).
Should i update to 7.10.8112 first, then may recieve 7.8, or actually 7.8 just not available?
What previous build you guys have before recieve 7.8? Thanks

The cable trick does not work for me. I tried two nights in a row without any success. And I am at&t user with L900. The whole concept of trying to push the new software via "tricks", or using some "hackers tool" sounds really strange to me, and I have a question: Did anyone in US received an official notification on a phone about available OS update? Thanks

just noticed a 4th update this morning. there is no version number or details other then 'Nokia update for windows phone'. up until now the phones i have updated finished with the 3rd 7.8 update until this morning. possible nokia has just uploaded an additional update of their own?

i updated mine through SevenEighter program. since its the last update might aswel not wait. We waited long enough for the carriers to hold our promised prize. my phone is HTC HD7 t-mobile. the program updated my phone 5x, 5th being the 7.8 final hope you guys get it official or not. as long as we are satisfied

Totally agree, I updated my Lumia (ATT) phone runs faster, new home screen is nice, you can finally read the contact info as they have enlarged the font. For me the missing item is the fact that they did not include the ability to increase the messaging font, really how hard could that be.

Successfully updated my 900 but it wasn't the 7.8 version number. It took 2 tries of the internet unplug force and it updated to something other than 7.8. This is my previous phone, ( now have a 920) and it was updated to mango last year. Does the fact that I get an invalid SIM notice affect the update to 7.8. I did not even realize there was an update between mango and 7.8.

Honestly i can't say anyone knows because ATT hasn't been pushing the last two updates nessecary to get 7.8 right now. Your best trick right now is to try the new cab file method that now supports 7720 which will get you to mango bug fix tango in order. I had to hit install windows phone 7.8 and wait for it to install than the desktop app crashes, thats good, i did it 8 times and I ended up with 7.8 on my HD7S which is on ATT. I only selected english as my language pack and everything is fine zune even allows me to restore if i want to. Best of luck.

I updated my Lumia (ATT) phone runs faster, new home screen is nice, you can finally read the contact info as they have enlarged the font. For me the missing item is the fact that they did not include the ability to increase the messaging font, really how hard could that be.

This is how it happend to me (copied from a comment in WP Hacker website, as mine is as his/her experience):
1st time - did first update - now on 7740.16
tool crashed after running it again now...
Edit 1: Just ran it again - now on 8107.79
tool crashed after running it again now... lol as long as it keeps moving idc
Edit 2: Just ran it again - now on 8112.7
tool crashed after running it again now... still moving lol
Edit 3: Just ran it again - now on 8773.98
tool crashed after running it again now... still going...
Edit 4: Just ran it again - now on 8779.8
tool crashed after running it again now... still going...
Edit 5: Just ran it again - now on 8783.12
tool crashed after running it again now... still going...
Its' Official! Just got the Blue Startup Screen now on 8858.136

if you actually think about it its a really nice way to look at your start screen you can have the person you care about as a medium tile and people like freinds and co workers surrounding them, or you can fit facebook skype viber whatsapp tango twitter ect. as small tiles to quickly get a glimpse or quick access. I feel like we deserve more languages and the screenshot ability so we can compete more with the iphone 4 and older androids though.

I did the cable trick to update my ATT Lumia. First impressions, phone runs faster and smoother. Contact info can now be read. Still can't resize mesage text font (how hard us that to do MS). Theme colors are a bit bland , just ok.

Currently I have a locked HTC HD7 running on T-Mobile in the USA. If I download and install the cab for 7.8 what will I miss if I do not have access to the new ROM. Is there a downsize to this type of modification? Also, is the new ROM for my particular phone available?

I have the same phone on tmobile us. I did this method and unless tmo had a firmware update to go with the OS update, nothing is missing. I am wondering if I put too many language packs on though. Clicked them all, may rerun utility later today and only pick the 5 I needed.